We’ve waited all day for official word from the MSNBC studios regarding what’s happening in the aftermath of Chris Matthews big “shit” slip-up. That word hasn’t come yet, but our insider sources say that, with tensions high within the network, there may be more to this situation than a simple slap on the wrist for Matthews and/or his “Hardball” executive producer, Tammy Haddad.

“He was obviously criticizing the work of Brian Williams,” one NBC source told us. “New York management does not like its star anchor being mocked by one of our own while in the midst of an evening news rating battle.” Indeed, Matthews’ swear came just before he introduced a prepackaged interview Williams had previously recorded with NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, we’re told that Tim Russert, the lead DC anchor for the network, is privately happy that NBC management has gotten to see Matthews’ true colors shine.

“The two (Matthews and Russert) play nice in public, but all is not so merry behind-the scenes,” another NBC source told Big Head DC. In fact, Matthews was said to be “outraged” when he recently learned that a large portion of his staff would be moved to a different Capitol Hill location - one that houses Russert’s staff - later this year, in an effort to consolidate resources. “Chris, I’m sure, feels like he he lost a big battle,” our insider said.

The only public statement Matthews has made since apologizing on-air for using “that word” was a cryptic statement issued to The New York Post: “I use newsroom language too much!” he said.

Haddad, meanwhile, has not yet returned queries from us regarding her status at the network.

Earlier: The Curse of Chris: Female Producer Feels the Heat as a Result of Matthews’ On-Air Swear; (VIDEO UPDATE) Chris Matthews Drops a Loud “Shit” on Live TV